Scots Uni Chiefs Splash Flights And Hotel Cash

Strathclyde university has paid out the most of any UK university on jetting one of their bosses around.

It spent more than £41,000 on flights for Sir Jim MacDonald in the last year.

The UCU union also says Glasgow Caledonian spent the most on hotels in the whole of the country.

Pamela Gillies' accommodation cost the taxpayer £20,000.

The average university boss now gets paid over £272,000.

New research - by the University and College Union - also says in some cases vice-chancellors were handed pay rises of more than 10% last year.

The study claims uni leaders took home almost seven times more than the average wages of staff.

A Glasgow Caledonian University spokesman said: "In excess of £12 million was generated by Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) through its international activities in 14/15. This requires investment.

"The Principal and Vice-Chancellor plays a leading role in developing research, business, academic and philanthropic partnerships as well as conferring GCU degrees to students in Bangladesh, South Africa and Oman and working at our campuses in London and New York.

"Professor Gillies maximises the value of each business trip by fulfilling a full schedule of engagements to further the interests of the university and Scotland. GCU is transparent in reporting costs incurred and Professor Gillies' travel and accommodation costs are subject to scrutiny by independent governors on the University Court.''